Hybrid frame power sleeve case

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a battery sleeve case for a portable electronic device (e.g., laptop computer or electronic tablet device) that includes an elastic polymer frame structure that extends around a perimeter of the sleeve to provide cushioning or padding to the sides of the device. Front and back face side panels are attached to opposing sides of the frame structure, via stitching or some other suitable means. The frame structure may be formed of injected molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or other suitable material. The side panels may be laminated with fabric, with a front face side panel being flexible and cushioned and including one or more access flaps. The back face side panel includes a rechargeable battery housed within a battery compartment defined by a semi rigid outer panel, which may be formed of compression molded EVA or other suitable material. The rechargeable battery is electrically coupled to external and internal electrical interfaces. A user accessible activation control enables power flow to and from the rechargeable battery. The case allows the portable electronic device to be charged both in and outside of the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/615,938, filed on Jan. 10, 2018, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to accessories for electronic devices and morespecifically to battery cases for portable electronic devices includingfor example laptop computers and computing tablets.

With each new generation, portable electronic devices provide greaterfunctionality and more capabilities. They allow people to play andrecord music and video, send and receive e-mail and text messages,browse Web pages, make phone calls, take and view pictures, editdocuments, and much more. They have, in many ways, revolutionized theway people interact, learn, connect with each other, consume mediacontent, conduct business, perform daily tasks at work, home, and on theroad, and store valuable information including personal information(e.g., phone numbers, financial information, private photos or videos,and favorite music tracks).

While portability allows these devices to be easily carried or movedabout by the user, it also makes these devices more vulnerable to beingaccidentally dropped, hit, or scratched as compared to non-portabledevices such as desktop computers. The damage incurred may n not only becosmetic (e.g., scratch) but also may render unusable functionalfeatures, as such devices frequently contain sensitive and fragilecomponents (e.g., screen, outer casings, camera lens, flash, processors,storage drives, accelerometers, and sensors) that can be easily damagedby impact, fluid or other detrimental environmental conditions. Theportability of these devices also gives rise to concerns regardingaccess to power. While such devices are battery powered, it is notuncommon for users to experience difficulty to conveniently access powerto charge their device while traveling or in remote environments.

Protective cases, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,642,428,are used to protect portable electronic devices from possible damage.There is a need, however, for such protective cases that also provideconvenient and accessible portable power to charge and/or power suchdevices.

SUMMARY

A unique protective battery sleeve case for a portable electronic device(e.g., laptop computer or electronic tablet device) is disclosed. In animplementation, the case includes front face and back face side panelsthat are attached to an elastic polymer frame, such as one formed ofinjected molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which surrounds theperimeter of the sleeve compartment to provide cushioning or padding tothe sides of the portable electronic device when the device is insertedinto the sleeve. The front face side panel is comprised of a cushionedflexible construction, while an opposing back face side panel employs asemi rigid outer panel construction that defines a battery compartmentthat houses a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery iselectrically coupled to a plurality of interfaces that facilitatecontrol and power to and from the sleeve battery. The interfaces includeone or more internal electrical connectors mounted in the sleevecompartment. The internal connectors are selected and positioned toelectrically communicate with the portable electronic device and therebyfacilitate charging of the device when the device is inserted in andprotected by the sleeve. The inclusion of multiple internal connectorsallows for multiple connection points that are capable of connecting tothe device when the device is inserted into the sleeve, which forexample would be capable of facilitate charging of the device even ifthe device is inserted into the sleeve from either end or face-up orface down. The electrical interfaces also include one or more externalelectrical connectors that are accessibly positioned on the outside ofthe sleeve and that facilitate charging of one or more electronicdevices that are located outside or external to the case as well ascharging of the sleeve battery from a power source. A connector cable isprovided to facilitate charging. A battery fuel or charge gauge togetherwith an activation button are also provided on the outside of the caseto allow status monitoring of the rechargeable battery and control overpower to and from the sleeve. A magnetic or other latching mechanism isused to secure an opening on one side of the sleeve.

The various construction, manufacture, configuration, and combination ofthe components of the case constitute separate aspects of the inventiondisclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure are described below, or become apparent upon consideration ofthe detailed description with reference to the drawings, which areintended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In thedrawings, like reference characters denote like features throughout thefigures.

FIG. 1 is a front face perspective view rendering of a hybrid framepower sleeve case taken from the top end of the case.

FIG. 2 is a front face perspective view line drawing of the casedepicted in FIG. 1 taken from the bottom end of the case.

FIG. 3 is a back face perspective view rendering of the case depicted inFIG. 1 taken from the bottom end of the case.

FIG. 4 is a back face perspective view line drawing of the case depictedin FIG. 1 taken from the top end of the case.

FIG. 5 is a top end side view line drawing of the case depicted in FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom end view line drawing of the case depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a left side view line drawing of the case depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a right side view line drawing of the case depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front face perspective view line drawing of the case asdepicted in FIG. 1 with the front face side panel, magnet cover andmagnets removed to better illustrate the portable electronic devicecompartment, connector cable and cable compartment, and the internalcharging interfaces located on the periphery the device compartment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view line drawing of the case depicted in FIG.9 with the frame structure and connector cable removed to betterillustrate the internal panel of the back face side panel, the PCB andthe controls and electrical interfaces coupled thereto.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view line drawing of the case depicted in FIG.10 with the internal panel of the back face side panel removed to betterillustrate the battery compartment, rechargeable battery housed therein,and the internal configuration of the outer panel of the back face sidepanel.

FIG. 12 is a front face perspective view rendering of the framestructure employed in the case illustrated in FIG. 1 in isolation.

FIG. 13 is a back face perspective view rendering of the frame structureemployed in the case illustrated in FIG. 1 in isolation.

FIG. 14 is a cross section view line drawing of the frame structureillustrated in FIG. 12 taken along line 14-14 as illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view line drawing of some of the components ofthe case illustrated in FIG. 1. The rechargeable battery is notdepicted.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of electrical components employed in the caseillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17A-G are photographs of a prototype of the case illustrated inFIG. 1 that further illustrate the construction and operation of thecase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Incase Designs Corp. of Los Angeles, Calif. is a manufacturer ofaccessory cases for electronic devices including electronic tabletdevices. The Incase Web site is www.incase.com, which is incorporated byreference along with all product packaging and documentation as of thefiling date of this application. U.S. Pat. No. 9,642,428, owned byIncase, is directed to a sleeve case and is hereby also incorporated byreference in its entirety.

In a specific implementation, the case or sleeve is for a portableelectronic device such as a tablet such as Apple® iPad productsincluding the iPad®, iPad Pro®, and iPad Mini® models or notebookcomputer products including the Apple® MacBook®, MacBook Pro®, andMacBook Air® products, described at the Apple Web site, www.apple.com,which is incorporated by reference in this application.

FIGS. 1-17G illustrate a hybrid frame power sleeve case 1000 for aportable electronic device 2000, such as a laptop computer or computingtablet. The particular sleeve case illustrated in the drawings isconfigured for a Macbook Pro® such as the one shown in FIG. 17G. Thecase 1000 is capable of allowing the user to charge the portableelectronic device, whether the device is in, or outside, the case. Inaddition, the case is capable of charging other devices connected to theelectrical interface connectors, which also allow the sleeve case to becharged through outside power sources.

In the illustrated implementation, the case 1000 is rectangular in shapewith rounded corners and includes front face, back face, left, right,top and bottom sides 1010, 1020, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050 and 1060respectively. The shape of the case 1000, and particularly the devicecompartment 1600, generally corresponds to the external shape ofportable electronic device the case is configured for, which for laptopcomputers would be determined when the laptop is in the fully closedposition, such that the screen is closed over the keyboard.

The case 1000 is comprised of a frame structure 1100, a front face panel1200, and a back face panel 1300. The back face panel 1300 houses arechargeable battery 1325, which is connected to external and internalelectrical interfaces 1421, 1422, 1431 and 1432, respectively, via aprinted circuit board (PCB) 1410 that facilitates and controls thecharging operation is of the sleeve case's rechargeable battery 1325.The PCB 1410 is secured to the case via a rigid mounting support 1500that is attached to the back face panel 1300 via mechanical means (e.g.,screws, rivets, or the like) and/or adhesive or other suitable means. AnLED battery charge gauge or fuel gauge 1440 is also electricallyconnected to the PCB and mounted to the case so as to be externallyvisible to the user. A user activation button 1445 is provided andelectrically connected to the PCB and mounted to the case to allow theuser to externally engage and activate the charging operations of thecase.

The front and back face panels 1100 and 1200 are attached to the framestructure 1100 on opposing sides thereto via stitching 1900 and/or othersuitable technique (e.g., glue, epoxy, welding, and/or fusing). Whenassembled the front face panel 1200 and the perimeter region of the backface panel 1300 are flush or almost flush with the adjacent region ofthe exterior edge 1001 surface of the frame structure 1100 so as toprovide an integrated and seamless appearance and construction. Itshould be understood, however, in some implementations, the front and/orback face panel may be slightly below (e.g., slightly lower) or slightlyabove (e.g., slight higher) the adjacent regions of the exterior edge1001 of frame structure 1100.

To provide access to the case, the front face panel 1200 includes anaccess flap 1201 (best illustrated in FIG. 17B) that bends along a foldline and allows the user to open the sleeve and slide the portableelectronic device into and out of the sleeve compartment 1600. To biasor otherwise keep the access flap 1201 in the closed position, magneticelements or material (e.g., iron sheet) is incorporated into orotherwise attached to the flap 1201. The magnetic elements or materialin the access flap 1201 are positioned so that they overlie the magnets1800 when the flap is in the closed position so that the magneticattraction there-between keeps the flap closed. Opening the access flap1201 also allows the user to also access a connector cable 1700 that maybe employed to connect a portable electronic device to the rechargeablebattery 1325 to facilitate charging of the device as, for example,illustrated in FIG. 17G.

The front face panel 1200 and frame structure 1100 may be formed of anysuitable material and construction, such as the construction for thefront panel 1105, 1115 described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,642,428. In theillustrated embodiment, the front face panel 1200 is comprised of amultilayered flexible construct that includes a cushion core (such asneoprene or polychloroprene, synthetic rubber, other cushioningmaterial) overlaid by synthetic or natural fabric on its inner and outersurfaces. The fabric may be laminated or otherwise adhesively attachedor adhered to the cushioning core. The fabric laminated on the outsidesurface of the cushion core layer may be different than the fabriclaminated on the inside surface of the cushion core, which may be softerand less abrasive (e.g., a faux fur lining), to protect the outersurfaces of the portable device. Once the multilayered construct of thefront face panel 1200 is formed, the construct is cut to size andattached to the frame structure 1100, by stitching or other technique aspreviously described.

The frame structure 1100 (best illustrated in FIGS. 9, 12, 13, 14 and15) is comprised of a frame border having an exterior edge 1101 andinterior edge 1102. The exterior and interior edges are separated by thewidth 1003 of the frame border. The interior edge surrounds a perimeterof a device compartment 1600. As best illustrated in FIG. 14, the framestructure 1000 has a generally T-shaped cross section and includes afirst portion 1104 extending in a first direction 1105 and a secondportion 1106 extending in a second direction 1007, transverse to thefirst direction. The first 1104 portion comprises the exterior edge 1101and the second portion 1106 comprises the interior edge 1102. The firstportion 1104 has a first length 1108 from a first end 1109 (which islocated at the back face side 1020) to a second end 1110 (which islocated at the front face side 1010) in the first direction 1105. Thesecond portion 1106 has a second length 1112 from a third end 1113 to afourth end 1114 (which is located at the interior edge 1102) in a seconddirection 1107. The second portion 1106 is coupled to the first portion1104, at a point 1115 between the first and second ends 1109, 1110 andextends in the second direction 1107 away from the first portion 1104 asecond length 1112.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 9, 12-13 and 15, the configuration andlengths 1108 and 1112 of the first and second portions 1104, 1106respectively vary depending on the location where the cross section istaken. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right sides 1030,1040 of the frame structure 1100 are symmetrical and have a uniformcross-section such as that depicted in FIG. 14. The frame structure 1000at the top end 1050 of the case 1000, in contrast has a second portion1106 that has a substantially longer length 1112 than the second portion1106 located at the sides 1030, 1040 of the case 1000 and includestherein internal compartments 1120 for housing magnets 1800 and aninternal compartment 1130 that is configured to retentively secure andhouse the cable 1700 therein. In addition, the second portion 1106 ofthe frame structure 1100 that resides at the top side 1050 of the case1000 includes a recessed region 1140 that is configured to receive andbe covered, in a flush configuration, by a magnet cover 1850 whichassists in maintaining the magnets 1800 in place with their compartments1120. The magnet cover 1850 can be attached by glue, epoxy, welding,fusing, lamination, or other technique for attaching polymers.

The frame structure in an implementation is formed of injected moldedethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as a unitary component as described in U.S.Pat. No. 9,642,428. Other suitable, materials may also be used. Thematerial that forms the cushion core of the front face panel 1200 may bethe same or different than the material that forms the frame structure1100. In one implementation, the cushion core of the front face panel1200 is formed of a neoprene sheet and the frame structure 1100 isformed of injected molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

As best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the back face panel 1300 iscomprised of an internal panel 1310 and an outer panel 1320. The outerpanel 1320 defines a battery compartment 1321 that houses a rechargeablebattery 1325. The outer panel 1320 includes a flat perimeter region 1329that is configured to mates with the perimeter surface of the internalpanel 1310. A rigid battery tray 1327 is included to further protect andsupport the rechargeable battery 1325. The outer panel 1320 may beformed of any suitable materials. In an implementation, the outer panel1320 is formed of a multi layered construct comprising a compressionmolded EVA sheet core that is laminated on its outer surface with afabric, the same fabric as that laminated on the outer surface of thefront face panel 1200. Once the multilayered construct is formed themultilayered construct is molded into shape to define the batterycompartment 1321 and cut to size for assembly to the other components.The internal panel 1310 may be formed of a soft or flexible material toserve as a cushion between the rechargeable battery 1325 and theelectronic device contained in the device compartment 1600. In oneembodiment, the internal panel 1310 has the same material as that of thefront face side panel 1200. Alternatively, the internal panel 1310 maybe formed of other suitable material such as a thin sheet of rigidplastic or other polymer. The surface of the internal panel 1310 thatfaces the device compartment 1600 may be lined with a suitable fabricsuch as faux fur to protect the device.

The rechargeable battery 1325 may be comprised of one or morerechargeable batteries or battery banks connected to a PCB 1410. The PCB1410 is connected to the rechargeable battery 1325 via connection 1326(illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 16) and controls the chargingand discharging of the rechargeable battery 1325. Mounted to the PCB arethe electrical interfaces 1421, 1422, 1431, 1432, which may be anysuitable standard or proprietary connector such as a USB connector, acontact connector, an Apple Lightning connector, and/or a magneticallyretained connector.

The external electrical interfaces 1421 and 1422, in one implementation,may be USB type A and USB type C female connectors, respectively, thatare adapted to allow for charging into and out from the rechargeablebattery 1325. The internal electrical interfaces 1431 and 1432 areselected and positioned to enable connection with the electricalinterface or connector on the portable electronic device when the deviceis inserted into the case. Thus for example, if the portable electronicdevice includes a USB type C female connector on one of its sides thenthe internal electrical interfaces 1431 and/or 1432 would be a matingUSB type C connector and positioned to operationally align intoconnection with the device connector when the device is inserted intothe case. Similarly, if the for example the portable electronic deviceincludes an Apple Smart connector, then the internal electricalinterfaces 1431 and/or 1432 would be of the same type and positionedinternally within the sleeve compartment to operationally align with theApple Smart connector on the device when the device is inserted into thecase. Magnetically retained connectors, such as the Apple MagSafeconnector and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,613, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, may also be used asinternal electrical interfaces 1431 and/or 1432 to facilitate alignmentand connection to the device. In one implementation, an electricaladaptor is provided that connects to the portable electronic deviceconnector on one side and provides a magnetic or contact connection onthe other side which is adapted to interface with the internalelectrical interfaces positioned within the sleeve compartment.

The positioning of the internal electrical connectors 1431 and 1432 isdetermined to correspond with the position of the correspondingelectrical connectors on the device. Positioning the internal electricalconnectors 1431 and 1432 in the sleeve so that one of the internalelectrical connectors is in operational alignment with a correspondingdevice connector when the device is inserted into the sleeve in a firstorientation and a second internal electrical connecter is in operationalalignment with a corresponding device connector when the device isinserted in the sleeve in a second orientation allows the case to chargethe device when the device is inserted in the sleeve from differentsides or upside down. For devices that have multiple charging ports orconnectors, a plurality of internal electrical connectors positioned inthe sleeve compartment allows the case to charge the device through oneor more device connectors simultaneously or in the alternative.

As best illustrated in FIG. 15, with reference to the drawingsillustrating the fully or partially assembled case 1000, the rigidmounting support 1500 secures the electrical components 1410, 1421,1422, 1431, 1432, 1440 and 1445 to the back face panel 1310 via anopening 1323 in the outer panel 1320, a corresponding opening 1311 inthe internal panel 1310, and a corresponding control panel cut out 1151in the bottom side of the frame structure 1100. Hence those electricalcomponents are housed within the back panel 1300 and the frame structure1100, which surrounds and provides protection and support to theinternal and external electrical interfaces 1421, 1422, 1431, 1432, thePCB 1410 and the other components thereon.

It should be understood that while the opening flap 1201 to the sleevecompartment 1600 in the illustrated embodiment is located on the shorterside of the case 1000, in other implementations, the opening flap 1201can be located on the longer side of the case 1000. Further, in otherimplementation, a case can have multiple openings, for example openingson both of the shorter sides or openings on both of the long sides a mixof openings on the shorter and longer sides of the case.

It should also be understood that while, in a specific implementation,the frame structure 1100 may be made from EVA, the frame structure 1100may be made of other polymers as well. EVA is copolymer of ethylene andvinyl acetate. The weight percent vinyl acetate usually varies from 10to 40 percent, with the remainder being ethylene. EVA is often referredto as expanded rubber or foam rubber. EVA is a polymer that approacheselastomeric materials in softness and flexibility, yet can be processedlike other thermoplastics. The material has good clarity and gloss,low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesivewaterproof properties, and resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. TheEVA provides cushioning or padding for the sides of the hybrid sleeve.Other polymers other than EVA that may be used instead of or incombination with EVA, include for example, elastomer, elastic polymer,elastomeric compound, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyvinyl chloride(PVC), polyurethane, polystyrene, rubber, silicone, and others. Anelastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (or “elasticity”), generallyhaving low Young's modulus and high failure strain compared with othermaterials. Other frame structure 1100 materials may include cork,carbonate, polycarbonate, thermoplastics, and thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU), in any combination. In addition, in an implementation thematerial that forms frame structure 1100 can be a foam (e.g., polymer orother substance with trapped bubbles) that provides cushioning orpadding. Some examples of foam include quantum foam, polyurethane foam(foam rubber), XPS foam, polystyrene, phenolic, or many othermanufactured foams. The frame structure 1100 materials may in someimplementations not be a foam or elastic like EVA, but have hard orrigid panel to absorb impacts instead of the contents of the case. Thehard panel or surface (e.g., polycarbonate) can crack, shatter, orfracture on impact to distribute the energy of the impact. In animplementation, the cracked panels can be replaced with replacementpanels. Or the entire case can be replaced after the impact-absorbingpanels are spent due to an impact.

In an implementation, the front face side panel 1200 and the outer panel1320 of the back face side panel 1300 are made of neoprene. Neoprene orpolychloroprene is a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced bypolymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene provides cushioning and shockabsorption for the device which the case protects.

In other implementations, the front face side panel 1200 and the outerpanel 1320 of the back face side panel 1300 are made from other softmaterials, such as fabric (e.g., cotton, wool, linen, polyester,microfiber, or fabric blends), ballistic nylon, woven carbon fiber,thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material via a mold, other polymer, orothers, in any combination. The fabrics can include fibers that arewoven, nonwoven, or knitted. Other materials can be used includingsilicone, rubber, and many others. Other examples of materials includevinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic, thermoplastic, cloth, leather,suede, artificial leather, synthetic leather, synthetic leather made ofplastic (sometimes referred to as pleather), poromeric imitationleather, koskin, leatherette, carbon fiber, air mesh, polyurethane (PU),welded polyurethane film, nylon, and polyester, in any combination.

In an implementation, the front face side panel 1200 and the outer panel1320 of the back face side panel 1300 are made a nylon or polyesterfabric that is environmentally friendly. The fabric can have a dope-dyedfiber, where the color originates from the addition of color chips inthe process of polymerization. This avoids the dyeing process, which cancauses unneeded pollution and greenhouse gases. Examples of dope-dyedfiber fabric are Ecoya® from LIBOLON and woolinex, etc. The fabric forthe panels can have a heathered pattern.

In an implementation, compared to the frame structure 1100, thematerials for the front face side panel 1200 and/or the outer panel 1320of the back face panel 1300 are less rigid or more elastic than theframe structure 1100. The soft panels (e.g., neoprene) can adapt orconform (e.g., stretch) to the surface and shape of the contents beingheld in sleeve. The frame structure 1100 is less elastic and has lessstretch than the front face and outer panel of the back face side panel.The frame structure 1100 provides a structure for absorbing impacts andprotecting the contents of the sleeve case 1000.

In an implementation, the frame structure 1100 is more shock absorbingthan the material that forms the front face side panel 1200 and/or theouter panel 1320 of the back face side panel 1300. To absorb shock,kinetic energy such as generated during the impact against the case isturned into heat and absorbed by the material instead of transferringthe impact energy to the device being protected by the case. This framestructure 1100 is more rigid than the material that forms the front faceside panel and/or the outer panel of the back face side panel material.The frame structure 1100 can be a foam, and the trapped bubbles in thefoam act like compressible springs to absorb the shock. And then afterthe shock has been absorbed, the frame elastically returns to itsoriginal shape (e.g., the bubbles in the foam expand back to theiroriginal shape).

The material that forms front face side panel 1200 and/or the outerpanel 1320 of the back face side panel 1300 can also be a foam, but thespring constant (Hooke's law) for the compressible springs (bubbles) inthe panel material is less than that for the frame. So, the panelmaterial will not absorb as much kinetic energy as the frame.

The case can be made in any color, combination of colors, combination ofhues, or combinations of colors and hues.

This description of the disclosure has been presented for the purposesof illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the disclosure to the precise form described, and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the teachingabove. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications.This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilizeand practice the disclosure in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to a particular use. This description, isnot to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requiremore features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination offewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective battery sleeve case for a portableelectronic device having one or more externally accessible charginginterfaces, said case comprising: a frame structure comprising: (i) aframe border having an exterior edge and interior edge, the exterior andinterior edges being separated by a frame border width and wherein theinterior edge surrounds a perimeter of a first compartment for theportable electronic device; (ii) a generally T-shaped cross sectionhaving a first portion extending in a first direction and a secondportion extending in a second direction, transverse to the firstdirection, wherein the first portion comprises the exterior edge and thesecond portion comprises the interior edge, and wherein the firstportion has a first length from a first end to a second end in the firstdirection, and the second portion has a second length from a third endto a fourth end in a second direction, the second portion is coupled tothe first portion, at a point between the first and second ends, andextends in the second direction away from the first portion a secondlength, and (iii) a first material whereby sides of the portableelectronic device are cushioned against side impacts by the firstmaterial; a first side panel coupled to a first side of the frameborder, wherein the first side panel is flexible and cushioned andcomprises a second material, different from the first material; a secondside panel coupled to a second side of the frame border, wherein thesecond side panel is opposed to the first and comprises a third materialshaped to define a second compartment; a rechargeable battery housedwithin said second compartment and adapted for charging said portableelectronic device; one or more electrical interfaces externally mountedon the case and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery toenable charging to and from said rechargeable battery; one or moreelectrical interfaces internally mounted within the first compartment toenable charging of the portable electronic device when the device is inthe protective case; a user control button that is electrically coupledto the rechargeable battery to enable activation of charging from therechargeable battery; an LED charge indicator electrically coupled tosaid rechargeable battery and adapted to indicate the level of charge inthe battery, said LED charge indicator being externally visible andmounted to said frame structure; a third compartment formed in saidframe structure having a charging cable housed therein; and a mountingplate having a PCB mechanically coupled thereto, said mounting platebeing attached to the back face panel, wherein said PCB is electricallyconnected to the rechargeable battery, the externally and internallymounted electrical interfaces, the user control button, the LED chargeindicator to enable charging to and from the rechargeable battery andcontrol there over.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first materialis more shock absorbing than the second material.
 3. The case of claim2, wherein the first material comprises a foam ethylene vinyl acetate(EVA), and wherein the second material comprises synthetic rubber. 4.The case of claim 3, wherein the first material comprises an injectedmolded foam ethylene vinyl acetate, wherein the second materialcomprises a polychloroprene, and wherein the third material comprises acompression molded EVA.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein the first sidepanel is coupled via stitching to the first side of the frame structure.6. The case of claim 1, wherein the second side panel is coupled viastitching to the second side of the frame structure.
 7. The case ofclaim 1, wherein a first spring constant for the first material isgreater than a second spring constant for the second material.
 8. Thecase of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a greater rigiditythan that of the second material.
 9. The case of claim 1, wherein saidmounting plate being more rigid than said first, second, or thirdmaterials.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein said mounting platecomprises metal.
 11. The case of claim 9, wherein said mounting platecomprises a rigid polymer.
 12. The case of claim 1, wherein said backface panel is comprised of an internal panel and an outer panel, whereinsaid outer panel is formed of the third material and is shaped to definethe second compartment.
 13. The case of claim 12, wherein said internalpanel covers the second compartment and is more proximate to the framestructure than the outer panel.
 14. The case of claim 1, wherein thefirst panel is comprised of a multilayered construct comprising a firstfabric laminated on an interior facing surface of the second materialand a second fabric laminated on an opposing exterior facing surface ofthe second material, and wherein said first fabric and second fabric aredifferent from one another and wherein said first fabric and secondfabric are formed of materials different than said first, second, orthird materials.
 15. The case of claim 1, wherein the electricalinterfaces externally mounted on the case comprise a USB type C femaleconnector and a USB type A female connector.
 16. The case of claim 1,wherein the electrical interfaces internally mounted within the firstcompartment are selected from a group consisting of: an USB connector, acontact connector, an Apple Lightning connector, and a magneticallyretained connector.
 17. The case of claim 16, wherein the USB connectoris a USB Type C male connector.
 18. The case of claim 16, wherein thecontact connector is an Apple Smart connector.
 19. The case of claim 16,wherein the magnetically retained connector is an Apple MagSafeconnector.
 20. The case of claim 16, wherein the magnetically retainedconnector is a connector described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,613.